Tips on passing CNA Test! please...

Nichole1 · Oct 20, 2009

If you're taking the test in the state of TN I can help answer your question.

martheena08 · Oct 22, 2009

If you're taking the test in the state of TN I can help answer your question.

I am going to take the test here in Washington State. Now that makes me wonder if CNA course outline is different from one state to another.?

j450n, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 23, 2009

When I took it, I think there were 15 skills that we had to know. It's not so much that you do each skill in the correct order, but make sure you always do the steps that are bolded outlined in the official pamphlet that the state proctors use. These bolded criteria were like making sure the patient has non-skid footwear before you ambulate them out of the bed. Or making sure you dress the affected arm in the correct order, so that you don't compromise their range of motion. Out of the 15, there were 5 measurement skills (one of which you were guaranteed to be tested on). I think they were taking a pulse, taking a BP, measuring urine (which was actually diluted coffee for us), measuring a weight, and counting respirations. Luckily for me, I had respirations...but I know some were really nervous about getting BP. I even brought my stethoscope and cuff to practice with before the test in case I got it. I also had my friend be a patient for me the night before and the morning of the state exam, and we ran through all the skills.

The written portion is a lot of common sense.

Hope that helps.

Nichole1 · Oct 23, 2009

Yeah everything is pretty much the same as what j450n stated. The only difference is that in the pamphlet for the state of TN there are 27 skills. You will be tested on handwashing and an additional 4 skills. So I guess maybe you can ask your instructor or find out how to get your hands on that pamphlet for your state. If you have that you should be totally fine for clinicals. My instructor also stated what j450n said...that the written is mostly common sense.

j450n, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 23, 2009

Thank you, I forgot to mention that hand washing is definitely one of them. Make sure you scrub your hands on all surfaces for at least 15 seconds, dry your hands thoroughly, turn off the facet with a paper towel, etc. I think there may be more than 15 skills now because I took the skills exam awhile ago.

martheena08 · Oct 23, 2009

Thank you j450 and Nichole for your inputs.. I really appreciate it. And I will take note those tips . On the written exam, what are the subject areas to be studied? Did you follow a course outline while on the program? Thanks.

j450n, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 23, 2009

If I remember correctly, the pamphlet has some sample written questions. I took my CNA course at the Shoreline Nursing Assistant Training Institute. A textbook was provided to us that was written by the instructor. I mostly just reviewed that. At the end of the course, we had a written exam that we had to pass with a certain percentage or better. It was very similar to the one that I took on the actual test day.

dallet6 · Oct 24, 2009

I'm taking my test in 2 weeks here in Spokane WA. I'm really nervous about the skills even though I'm practising them everyday and watching videos. I'm so nervous I'll make a silly mistake or do something out of order. Or even shake so badly I spill water I'm carrying to dump. :cry: I will be so happy when its over if I pass!

TristanT · Oct 24, 2009

Remember to dry your hands thoroughly after hand washing. A number of people I know got dinged on that. But it is not a difficult test if you've studied. Good luck!

martheena08 · Oct 25, 2009

A textbook was provided to us that was written by the instructor. I mostly just reviewed that. At the end of the course, we had a written exam that we had to pass with a certain percentage or better. It was very similar to the one that I took on the actual test day.

Is there a textbook I can buy in the bookstore similar to that of your instructor? I am not enrolled on a CNA program and I have no resource material :cry: :cry: :cry: . But I'd be willing to buy one if there's any in the bookstore that is useful or test-sensitive material. I have found a video posted here that I can practice at home, but I have no review material for the written :cry: . I feel so helpless. I've tried reading anything under the sun but I know it will be useless if it is beyond the scope of the CNA Exam.

j450n, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 25, 2009

Try this: http://asisvcs.com/publications/pdf/069912.pdf

I'm not sure where you can get a book. Have you tried searching amazon? I'm sure they have some books there.

I'm confused how you can sit for the written, when you're not enrolled in a CNA course. Don't you have to be registered first? :)